Apple cider vinegar has been used as a health and beauty tonic for thousands of years. In Roman
times Cleopatra used it as a facial toner because it’s high acidic levels helped to balance the pH of
the skin. Soldiers used it in the US Civil War and World War 1 to treat wounds on the battle field,
and Japanese Saumurai warriors drank it for strength and vitality. From weight loss to removing
stains from your teeth, ACV has a wide range of health benefits.
Other health benefits include:
Rheumatoid arthritis Apple cider vinegar is high in acetic acid which can help to dispel acidity in
the blood, this leads to inflamation and pain. Although Apple cider vinegar contains aecetic acid,
once it is metabolised in the body, it turns alkaline.
Regulates the pH of the skin – it is benefical for acne, and can help to reduce age spots. Use it
instead of your regular toner. Dilute ACV with two parts water and use cotton wool to spread it
onto your skin, leave overnight and it should help to rejuvenate your skin.
Good for your hair – it ban be rinsed in your hair after you shampoo it to boost your hair’s
volume and shine. Place about a half a tablespoon of it and 1 cup of cold water onto your hair.
Removes stains from your teeth – rub your teeth with Apple cider vinegar and then rinse with
water. The stains should lesson in time.
Enhances weight loss – A 2009 study that was published in Bioscience, Biotechnology and
Biochemistry showed that people who had consumed ACV for 12 weeks had a reduction in body
weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. It is recommended to add 2
teaspoons of Apple cider vinegar to 16 ounces of water for weight loss and management.
Detoxifies the body – Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the body’s overall pH, which means
that it can help to boost the cardiovascular system and detoxify the liver.
Eliminates Candida – It is rich in natural enzymes which help the body to get rid of nasty yeasts
which can cause Candida or thursh. Candida causes fatigue, yeast infections, sugar cravings, a
foggy head and poor digestion.
Reduces heartburn – it might seem strange to take a vinegar which is high in acid in order to treat
heartburn, but research has shown that Apple cider vinegar can help to reduce heartburn. It is
advisable to take 1 teaspoon of it followed by a glass of water. N. B Apple cider vinegar is not
recommended if you have an ulcer.
Repels fleas on your pets – Fleas hate Apple cider vinegar. Spray one part vinegar and one part
water onto your pets’ fur and massage it into the skin. Do this every day for a few weeks to ensure
that the fleas are gone.
Boosts the lymphatic system – ACV helps to cleanse the lymph nodes which in turn alleviates
allergies, sinus problems, sore throats and headaches.
All round household cleaner – ACV makes a great household cleaner due to its antibacterial
agents.
Insect bites – place directly onto the bite and it will help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Warts – Due to its high levels of acetic acid, Apple cider vinegar can help to get rid of warts.
Soak cotton wool in the vinegar and apply to the wart.
Good for overall health – Apple cider vinegar helps to maintain the body’s alkaline pH level. This
increases our energy and immune system. It has been named ‘the elixer of life’.
Vinaigrette or food preservative Alternatively Apple cider vinegar can be used to flavour food
as a vinaigrette, chutney, as a food preservative or some people put a tablespoon of it in hot water
along with some honey and drink it, as a cleansing beverage.